Former England captain Wilkins dead at 61

RAY WILKINS has been described as “one of the finest midfielders of his generation” after the former England captain died in hospital yesterday following a cardiac arrest. He was 61.

Wilkins, who won 84 caps for his country from 1976-86, had been treated in St George’s Hospital in Tooting, south-west London since Friday.

Football Association chairman Greg Clarke led the tributes to Wilkins, and said: “I am deeply saddened to hear this news.

“Ray Wilkins was a warm and kind-hearted man, who always had time for others.”

The England team tweeted: “We’re devastated to hear the news that Ray Wilkins has passed away at the age of 61. Wilkins made 84 appearances for the #ThreeLions, and was assistant manager of our Under21s between 2004 and 2007. We will miss you, Ray”

Chelsea, where Wilkins began his playing career in 1973 and later returned as assistant manager, posted: “Everybody associated with Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of our former player, captain and assistant coach, Ray Wilkins. Rest in peace, Ray, you will be dreadfully missed”

Wilkins won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 1983 before leaving the club to join AC Milan the following year.

Wilkins’ former England teammates took to Twitter to pay their respect. Gary Lineker said: “Deeply saddened to hear that Ray Wilkins has passed away.”

Wilkins had carried out media duties on talkSPORT and Sky Sports – he was a pundit on both platforms – shortly before suffering the cardiac arrest.

Deeply saddened to hear that Ray Wilkins has passed away. BBC presenter Gary Lineker.